Party a little too hearty? Get home safe with free Tipsy Tow

PHOENIX -- If you go to a Fourth of July celebration and have too much to drink, is asking you to call them to help you get home safe and sound.

Tipsy? Get a free tow

Tipsy Tow: Get home safely this holiday weekend - AAA is determined to make sure Fourth of July revelers get home safe and sound. azfamily.com's Javier Soto gives us the lowdown on AAA's unique program -- Tipsy Tow.

Related AAA links:

Search Video:

"The Fourth of July holiday is a time for barbecues, family gatherings and parties - activities that can contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere toward consuming alcohol," said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman.

Because of that the company is kicking off its free Tipsy Tow service at 6:00 tonight. That service will be available through midnight tomorrow, and you don't have to be a AAA member to take advantage it.

"We will call and arrange for you be picked up -- you and one passenger and your vehicle," Gorman said.

Tipsy Tow not a taxi service, so the tow truck driver won't drop off multiple people and won't take you to another party or to a repair facility -- just home.

"We're not going to come out and do light service at the side of the road" Gorman said. "It's really to get intoxicated drivers -- drivers who are impaired -- off the roads and home safely -- with their vehicles."

The free service is limited to a 10 mile radius. Any further than that and there is charge, the standard rate for the towing company. If you don't want to pay that fee, the driver will help you arrange for a cab home.

AAA Arizona launched Tipsy Tow over Memorial Day weekend and it was very successful.

While AAA encourages people to make responsible arrangements -- you cannot schedule a Tipsy Tow in advance -- they will be there if you find yourself in a situation where you shouldn't be behind the wheel.

"We don't want you on the roads endangering yourself and other people," Gorman said.

According to AAA, a first-time DUI conviction can cost a driver more than $10,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, ignition interlock install and maintenance, legal fees and increased insurance premiums.

The number is 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). All you have to do is tell the operator you need a Tipsy Tow.

AAA Arizona also plans to offer the Tipsy Tow service over Labor Day weekend in September.